The ViaTerra Shifter is the shorter version of our feature-loaded Grid riding gloves that offers all the protection you need for the concrete jungle! The Shifter comes equipped with the same premium, top of the line KNOX SPS 404 protection used in the world’s most advanced gloves. Combine that with high density TPU protectors for knuckle (which exceed CE Level 2 test standards), goatskin leather construction, and you have the best short glove available for the Indian rider.
Superior Impact Protection for Knuckles
The Knuckle protector comes with a dual-layer on the outside of the knuckle to absorb impact better.
To increase comfort, there are two layers of foam: one under the knuckle guard and the second layer that covers the back of the hand.
We have also configured the knuckle protectors in 2 sizes for better fit & coverage across a wide range of hand sizes.
A visor wiper for the rainy rides
Strategically placed soft viper on the left hand of the Shifter helps clean the helmet visor in rainy conditions.
Palm protection with Full Wrap Knox SPS 404
Scaphoid injury is the most common hand injury in motorcycle accidents caused by the grab effect when the palm makes contact with the ground.
The dual compound, full wrap SPS 404 is made from a layer of Knox's latest Micro-lock armour on the inside and abrasion-resistant LDPE on the outside.
SPS position has been approved by Knox headquarters, London for the Shifter design as scaphoid protection can be ensured only if the placement is correct.
Impact Protection for Wrist & fingers
PVC protectors and memory foam padding provide impact protection on the fingers and the wrist.
Goatskin Leather for enhanced abrasion protection
The Shifter uses goatskin leather that is durable, light and naturally water-resistant. It is the most comfortable leather to use in gloves due to its suppleness.
We kept the thickness of the leather to the highest level possible (1.2 to 1.5mm) to ensure enhanced abrasion resistance.
Excellent Ventilation & Breathability
Strategically placed air inlets on the top of the fingers and perforated leather used throughout the Shifter allow maximum airflow - a boon for the Indian climate.
Optimum Comfort & stretch with accordion
The Shifter comes with floating Knuckle protectors and a stretch panel underneath to allow the knuckle to float giving you room for movement when operating the clutch and brake.
Similarly, large accordion panels have been integrated on all the fingers and thumbs to allow free movement while operating levers.
Wrist velcro closure with lycra gusset
The wrist closure is designed to get a snug closure. This ensures a stronger hold around the wrist to avoid slippage during crash
Silicone SuperGrip for smooth throttle operation
The Shifter has an engineered super grip silicone panel attached at the purlicue (the area between forefinger and thumb), offering a much superior grip on the bars.
Having a grippier palm allows you to hold the bars lightly while ensuring you can operate the throttle smoothly.
Touchscreen friendly for BOTH hands!
The Shifter has special conductive leather panels strategically placed on both hands' index finger and thumb tips - so you can operate your smartphone during quick breaks/ stops without removing the gloves!
This leather has properties that mimic a conductive path and enable easy operation of touch-sensitive electronic devices.
Durable Materials: The Shifter uses goat skin leather that is durable, light and naturally water resistant. The thickness of the leather is kept high for enhanced abrasion resistance.
CE Rated Protection: The Shifter comes equipped with the same premium, top-of-the-line KNOX SPS 404 protection used in the world’s most advanced gloves. Combine that with high-density TPU protectors for knuckle (CE Level 2), goat skin leather, and you have the best protection available for an Indian rider.
- Knuckle Impact Protection as measured by mean transmitted peak force on the knuckles - 3X Level 2 standard
Enhanced comfort: The Shifter comes with floating Knuckle protectors and an stretch panel underneath to allow the knuckle to float giving you room for movement when operating the clutch and brake. Similarly, large accordion panels have been integrated on all the fingers and thumbs to allow free movement while operating levers.
Excellent Ventilation: We use perforated leather throughout the Shifter along with air inlets on top of the fingers to allow maximum airflow. This makes the gloves breathable and allows sweat to evaporate quickly making your rides during hot weather more comfortable!
STEP 1 - Measure your hand using a tailor's measuring tape
There are two key measurements that you need to take into consideration for figuring out your glove size.
- Circumference - Wrap the tape measure around your palm at its widest point and lightly close your hand before taking the measurement.
- Length - Measure from the tip of the middle finger to the base of your palm at your wrist.
STEP 2 - Find your glove size by checking hand measurements against the chart provided
- If both the measurements do not fall in one particular size - use the larger of the two measures to choose the glove size.
- If the two measurements are on the border line between two sizes, try both the sizes and choose the one that offers a better fit.
| XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | |
| Length (cm) | 17.8-18.4 | 18.5-19.1 | 19.2-19.8 | 19.9-20.5 | 20.6-21.2 | 21.3-21.9 |
| Circumference (cm) | 17-18.5 | 18.5-20 | 20-21.5 | 21.5-23 | 23-24.5 | 24.5-26 |
How to check sizing?
STEP 1 - Confirm that the gloves are a comfortable fit. They should not be excessively tight on any finger (especially the thumb) & knuckles. To check this, try the gloves on and form a fist several times and verify if:
- Adequate room for all fingers (specially thumb) to move and operate controls comfortably.
- Check the fitment on both hands since your left and right hand sizes do vary.
While leather gloves do take some time to break in, ensure that the fit on first try is not so tight as to cause discomfort and/or restrict movement.
STEP 2 - Ensure the knuckle protectors are properly positioned. The way to check this is:
- Roll your hand into a tight fist and hold the position for 5-10 minutes. This position should be easy to hold without causing any discomfort or causing any stress points.
- Ensure that the edge of the knuckle protector is not over the knuckle when the fist is formed.
A few things to keep in mind when you start using the Shifter short leather riding gloves -
- Putting on and taking off may be slightly difficult because the wrist area is narrowed down for safety reasons. This is done to prevent the gloves from coming off your hands during a crash and to offer a snug fit.
- You may find the Knox SPS on the palm to be uncomfortable on the first try. But just like any protective gear, over a period of time, you will get used to it so you do not even notice it. These devices are incorporated into the gloves to ensure you are well-protected when you most need it.
- In our research, we found that the palm size and the finger length are not in the same proportion for everyone (that makes each of us unique in the truest sense!). In such cases, the primary area of fitment should always be the palm area, even if you are to be left with some extra room near your fingertips.
- We have used high-density TPU to maximise protection and longevity. While we have added an additional foam layer underneath the TPU, they may feel a bit too hard at the beginning. Thinner and more flexible knuckle protectors are not very effective during a crash and do not last long either.
ViaTerra gloves use full-grain goat leather that is naturally water-resistant. However, when leather gets wet, the oils get stripped from the leather – this will stiffen the leather and eventually cause it to crack. Think of it as your skin after taking a bath – you need to moisturize to replace the natural oils in your skin removed by the water. So, what matters for your gloves is what you do after it gets wet. Here is a step by step process to keep your glove well cared for and last longer.
Materials needed:
- Microfiber/ soft cloth
- Small bowl or mixing cup
- Absorbent towels
- Soft-bristled brush
- pH neutral leather cleaner
- Leather conditioner
- Lukewarm water
How to clean riding gloves?
1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix a portion of leather cleaner in lukewarm water.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the mixture and gently wipe the stained areas. If the gloves have mud splatters, allow the mud to dry before attempting to clean it away. Use a soft-bristled brush to brush it away before cleaning with cloth.
3. Clean the gloves starting at the wrist and working toward each fingertip. Be sure to clean well between each finger. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the dirt is transferred. 4. Rinse the cloth often as the dirt is transferred. Turn the gloves over and repeat on the other side.
4. DO NOT USE HOT WATER
5. DO NOT allow your gloves to come in contact with solvents (do not use fabric softener!), fuel, or cleaning agents.
6. DO NOT use any kind of CHEMICAL or scrub the leather
7. Do not use a washing machine or high-pressure devices to clean the gloves, as high temperatures and pressure will damage the leather.
How to dry wet gloves?
1. Dry the gloves by pressing softly with an absorbent towel after cleaning. You can also do this when your gloves get wet in the rain.
2. Allow damp gloves to dry slowly, as this will prevent the leather from stiffening and cracking.
3. Never dry wet gloves with a blow-dryer or put them on a radiator or direct sunlight or other heat source to dry – this will harden the leather and lead to damage. Also dry the gloves indoors away from direct sunlight where there is good ventilation.
4. While your gloves are drying, periodically put them on your hands to stretch the leather and ensure they don't shrink.
5. Just before the gloves are completely dry, put the gloves on and shape them to your hand while still damp. Remove the gloves gently, trying to retain this shape in the gloves and allow it to continue drying.
How to condition gloves?
After the gloves are completely dry, apply a good quality leather conditioner. This is very important. Properly treated and conditioned (oiled) leather will breathe and the internal microfibers will move freely in the leather.
1. Use a good quality leather conditioner that will allow the leather to breathe.
2. Apply conditioner and rub it into the leather.
3. Allow the conditioner to soak into the gloves and reapply (if needed).
4. Wipe off any excess conditioner and make sure the gloves are not slick on the motorcycle controls.
How to store riding gloves?
When gloves are stored wet or in a non-ventilated area, this may cause deformations and ruin your gloves, not to mention this allows mildew to grow on the leather causing discoloration and damage.
1. Make sure that your gloves are completely dry before you store them.
2. Place them in a breathable cotton bag to protect them from dust but with enough air circulation to prevent mildew from forming.
3. Store them in a cool, dry, well ventilated area